Title: Oral History Interview with Richard Bowman, July 8, 1998. Interview K-0513. Identifier: K-0513Interviewer: Navies, Kelly Interviewee: Bowman, Richard Subjects: School integration--North Carolina North Carolina--Race relations African Americans--North Carolina African Americans--Education--North Carolina Asheville (N.C.)--Social life and customs Education--North Carolina--History--20th century Segregation in education--North Carolina Asheville (N.C.)--Race relations High schools--North Carolina--Buncombe County Stephens-Lee High School (Asheville, N.C.) Extent: 01:27:26Abstract: Richard Bowman grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, attended Tuskegee College, served in the army overseas in Germany, and lived in Los Angeles, California, for forty years before returning to Asheville. He discusses important events in his life, including his experience in segregated schools and his efforts to improve Asheville schools following his retirement. He also recalls his early stance against segregated libraries and buses in Asheville. He faced racism in the army and at the Department of Motor Vehicles in Los Angeles. Bowman explains his views on race relations in California by comparing the riots in 1965 with the riots in 1992. Bowman is glad for improvements like school integration in Asheville, but he volunteers his efforts in order to ensure that integration serves black students well.